The Eritrean National Football Team has started training sessions in Asmara as the Red Sea Camels prepare for their return to the main stage of African football qualification.
The squad was welcomed by Ambassador Zemede Tekle, Commissioner of Culture and Sport, as preparations begin for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Eritrea will compete in Group D alongside South Africa, Guinea and Kenya, following CAF’s draw in Cairo on May 19.
The campaign carries added significance because Eritrea reached this stage after defeating Eswatini 4–1 on aggregate in the preliminary round, including a 2–1 second-leg victory on March 31. CAF described the result as Eritrea’s qualification for the next phase of the AFCON 2027 campaign.
CAF has confirmed that the first two group-stage matchdays will be played during the international window from September 21 to October 6, 2026. Matchdays three and four are scheduled for November 9–17, 2026, while the final two rounds will be played from March 22–30, 2027.
Eritrea’s opening fixture is expected to be away against Kenya, with several football schedule updates listing September 23, 2026 as the date. The second match is listed as Eritrea against South Africa on September 27, though final venue, kickoff time and official match confirmation should still be treated as pending until published by CAF or the Eritrean National Football Federation.
For Eritrea, the Asmara camp marks more than routine preparation. It is part of a wider football comeback after years away from regular continental competition. The team now enters a difficult group, but with momentum, renewed public attention and a chance to test itself against some of Africa’s stronger sides.
